366 TROUT AND ANGLING. 



when otherwise, it made, as sometimes happens, 

 but little difference in the sport 



By a singular coincidence, though in perfect keep- 

 ing with the genius of the place, the names of 

 Phinney, Fish and Handy, are among the occu- 

 pants of the surrounding soil. To those who de- 

 sire to be near the scene of action, the house of 

 the former affords substantial comforts, while that 

 of the latter has been from time immemorial the 

 point tfappui of the visiter, let him come from 

 where he will. It is here that we commence the 

 note of preparation, arrange the tackle and select 

 the bait. It is here we often linger upon the sun- 

 ny slope that fronts his lowly cot, or seated at the 

 window, watch the sluggish tide, or favoring 

 breeze ; or if detained within, we listen to the 

 aged veteran, while with kindling enthusiasm he 

 conjures up a series of such incidents as form the 

 humble part he took in achieving his country's inde- 

 pendence, or dwells with doting fondness and 

 cheering satisfaction, upon the circumstance of his 

 eyes having once been blessed with the sight of 

 the glorious Washington and Lafayette, as the 

 brightest reminiscence of his unpretending history. 

 Grateful for the pittance of his country's bounty, 

 he contrives to live ; his utmost wants all realized 

 in the necessaries of life. But still, without the 

 treasures of the sea, his boat and spear, it might 



